Release the Gear Lever from Park (Shift-Lock Override)

If the automatic gear lever will not move out of ‘P’ — for example with a flat battery, a blown stop-light fuse, or a shift-lock fault — you can free it by hand using the shift-lock override. This manual release lets you move the car so it can be recovered or towed.

1. Firmly depress the brake pedal and hold it.
2. Try the normal release first: press the shift-lock unlock button on the selector and move the lever out of ‘P’. If it will not move, continue with the manual override below.
3. Prise off the small shift-lock release cover in the top of the selector surround, next to the ‘P’ position, using a cloth-wrapped screwdriver so you do not mark the trim.
4. Insert the ignition key (or a small screwdriver) into the release opening, then press it down and hold it there.
5. With the release held down and the brake pedal still pressed, move the gear lever out of ‘P’.
6. Remove the key and refit the cover.

Good to know

The normal shift-lock only releases with the ignition on and the brake pedal firmly pressed, so check both of those first — often the lever is stuck simply because one of them is missing.

Needing the manual override means something is wrong: a discharged battery, a blown stop-lamp fuse, or a faulty shift-lock solenoid. Once the car has been moved, have it checked by a workshop so the underlying fault is put right.

FAQ

My Sorento auto is stuck in Park — how do I get it out?

First switch the ignition on, press the brake pedal firmly, and press the shift-lock button on the selector while moving the lever. If the car is dead or that fails, use the manual override: lift the small cover next to ‘P’ and press down inside it while moving the lever.

Where is the shift-lock release?

It is behind a small cover in the gear-selector surround, right next to the ‘P’ position. Prise the cover off gently with a cloth-wrapped screwdriver to reach the release opening underneath.

Why is my gear lever stuck in Park?

Usually because the shift-lock cannot release — commonly a flat battery, a blown brake-light (stop-lamp) fuse, or a shift-lock solenoid fault. The override gets you moving, but have the cause checked so it does not happen again.